18 hours ago
'Little miracle' Oliver Mason has a date for first surgery
PARENTS of a Powys baby have been given a date for his heart operation, which will take place early next month.
The plight of seven-month-old Oliver Mason was highlighted last month when parents Alice and Toby spoke about how their world had been turned upside down after doctors discovered heart complications just hours after he came into the world.
Oliver was rushed to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where he spent two weeks – Alice didn't couldn't spend the first two days of her baby son's life with him, because she had to wait to be discharged.
Oliver was diagnosed with Pulmonary atresia with a ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) – a congenital heart condition where the pulmonary artery is completely blocked, as well as a large hole between the two main pumping chambers.
It was also discovered he had MAPCAs, or Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries, abnormal connections between the aorta and the pulmonary vascular system.
After finally returning home, they then spent Christmas in the care of doctors and nurses after he contracted a virus – with surgery required eventually.
Now, Alice and Toby have been told that the first surgery for their 'little miracle' is booked for July 4.
'We are both feeling very overwhelmed,' said Alice, 33.
'We knew the surgery would be soon but now we have a date it's very realistic. We know this is what's right for Oliver and the operation will start the proceedings of fixing his heart.'
Alice said the couple, who live in Llanwrthwl, between Rhayader and Newbridge-on-Wye, have also been blown away by the response to their original story.
'The response to the story has been amazing,' she added.
'The fundraiser is going well and we hope that people can still keep donating what they can, ready for the trip in two weeks' time (to the hospital).'
Alice revealed that while they wanted to raise awareness of Oliver's condition, they had also hoped for a little help financially, as self-employed Toby was no longer working due to tending to Oliver, while credit card debt had started to mount due to hotel stays during previous hospital visits.
'Some of the donations received are from people we know, but some of them are from people we don't know personally,' she said.
'One unknown donation came through for £200 which we were shocked and very moved by. Overall, all donations have been gratefully received.'
Alice had been told she could not have children due to suffering with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age.
So they couple were 'over the moon' when they discovered they were pregnant.
Oliver was born weighing a healthy 7lb 13oz, with Alice describing him as 'absolute perfection', but they soon had to face the challenges of their baby's rare condition.
